Bassetlaw Today

Category: News

  • Fourteen households still unable to return home after Worksop explosion

    Fourteen households still unable to return home after Worksop explosion

    Fourteen households are still unable to return home after a fatal explosion in Worksop.

    John Street in the town was closed and dozens of homes evacuated following the blast inside a terraced house on the evening of April 12.

    The body of a man, later identified as 53-year-old David Howard, was discovered in the debris.

    Another man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed.

    David Armiger, chief executive of Bassetlaw District Council, told Notts TV three homes – including the one involved in the explosion and the two neighbouring properties – must now be demolished.

    Due to an ongoing police cordon and structural surveys, there are also still 14 households unable to return home and no timescale has yet been given for when the all-clear will be given.

    “The situation has moved on quite a lot but there is still significant impact on a number of residents,” Mr Armiger said in an interview on Wednesday (April 23).

    “As things stand at the moment there are approximately 14 households unable to return to their properties because they are within the cordon.

    “In the first instance we made arrangements for up to 50 residents to seek accommodation on the Saturday and Sunday nights just after the explosion. That has reduced over time as most people have been able to return to their households.

    “We have had support in place both for the 14 households that are still unable to return, but also for other residents who want to seek support, working with agencies like Nottinghamshire County Council, British Red Cross, and health services, to really try to see what needs people have and to make sure we can support them in any way they do need.

    “Some residents need access to food and clothing because they can’t get back into their properties, others just want to talk to somebody or need to be able to get new medication, so there has been a range of support packages put in place.”

    Mr Armiger said the cost of the support to the council is not yet known, but said he expects it to be limited.

    “One of the key things now is in most cases the accommodation is being provided by the insurance companies or by landlords, because a number of the properties are rented, so the direct impact on the council is fairly limited.

    “The three properties are clearly going to be demolished and there is some significant damage to one or two of the other properties as well, so it may well take some time for those to be repaired.

    “They may well be looking at long-term alternative accommodation. I do know quite a number of landlords have already done that for a number of the impacted residents.”

    An investigation is ongoing to establish the exact cause of the explosion.

    Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, who is leading the investigation, added: “Our thoughts remain with David’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

    “Whilst we have made an arrest, I want to be really clear that our investigation remains at a very early stage and we are doing everything possible to establish what caused this deeply tragic incident.

    “It remains too early to say whether there is a criminal element to this case and would ask that people avoid speculation.

    “Our inquiries are continuing and I would further ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to please contact us as soon as possible.”

  • Police operation cracks down on dangerous and antisocial street racing in Worksop

    Police operation cracks down on dangerous and antisocial street racing in Worksop

    “Illegal street racing and antisocial driving will not be tolerated”

    That’s the message from Nottinghamshire Police as a targeted operation continues to crackdown on dangerous motorists in Worksop.

    The force launched Operation Wheelspin in October 2024 as part of a co-ordinated county-wide response to car cruising, which can involve drivers meeting to race at high speeds, performing reckless stunts, or other antisocial behaviour, such as setting off flares and fireworks.

    New data reveals that offences have decreased across Notts by 20 per cent since the operation was launched.

    Hotspots for unlicensed car meets, which cause road safety, antisocial behaviour, and noise concerns, include the A57 in Worksop.

    Officers from the force’s neighbourhoods and roads policing unit are out each week patrolling these areas and the wider road network across Nottinghamshire.

    Positive action has so far been taken against 181 drivers, which can include seizing vehicles, reporting motorists for court summons, or issuing traffic offence reports and Section 59 notices.

    Traffic offence reports cover a wide range of motoring offences such as driving without a seatbelt or with worn tyres and can result in a fine or driving licence points.

    A Section 59 notice places Police National Computer markers on vehicles and individuals, meaning that any similar behaviour in the next 12 months can lead to prosecution and vehicles being seized.

    In total, the licence plates of 1,401 motorists seen racing or at car meets have been recorded by officers to improve the force’s intelligence picture and identify drivers who participate in future antisocial driving.

    They risk prosecution and having their vehicles seized if their behaviour continues.

    PC Abigail Green, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Nottinghamshire is not a personal racetrack and we have a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial driving.

    “Stunts, collisions, and excessive speed by often young and inexperienced drivers can result in life-changing injuries and fatalities on our roads.

    “Our robust response sends a clear message that motorists from across the county and wider region who travel here to race will be prosecuted.

    “Innocent members of the public are on occasion left to pick up pieces from collisions and costly insurance claims. We will continue proactively patrolling our neighbourhoods and road network to keep communities safe.

    “Our county-wide response removes nuisance drivers from the roads and makes Nottinghamshire a hostile and undesirable racing location.

    “I would encourage car enthusiasts who enjoy driving to ensure they do this safely and legally at approved sites.”

  • EMR recovers nearly £2 million from fare dodgers in 12 months

    EMR recovers nearly £2 million from fare dodgers in 12 months

    A train firm has recovered more than £1.9 million from fare dodgers in 12 months.

    East Midlands Railway (EMR) said the figure was recovered from those travelling between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

    During this period, the firm’s revenue protection officers and onboard staff issued 11,798 notices, returning a combined total of £1,912,887.

    The notices were issued to those travelling without a valid ticket, travelling with a child ticket as an adult, travelling without a valid railcard and travelling beyond the destination printed on a ticket.

    Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, Philippa Cresswell said: “The vast majority of customers do the right thing and pay for their travel – they understand that a fair and sustainable railway relies on everyone contributing.

    “Unfortunately, a small number continue to try and travel without paying. The impact of fare evasion is felt by our law-abiding, fare-paying customers and, ultimately, the taxpayer. It’s indefensible for certain individuals to believe they’re exempt from paying for our services.

    “Put simply, fare evasion is a criminal offence, and we’re committed to taking action against those who deliberately avoid paying.

    “Indeed, our revenue protection, fraud and security teams work both in uniform and plain clothes in order to monitor and catch fare evaders – whether they are travelling without a ticket, have a ticket for part of their journey, or are fraudulently travelling on a child’s ticket.”

    Customers are being warned they should buy their ticket from the ticket office, a ticket machine, or online. If they are using pay-as-you-go or a smartcard ticket, they should ensure they touch in to start their journey as required.

    If the ticket office is closed, customers will be able to buy a ticket from a machine or online before they board a train.

    Customers who travel on East Midlands Railway (EMR) without a valid ticket can be fined £100, in addition to the price of a single ticket.

  • Worksop Explosion: Bassetlaw District Council provides update on residents returning to homes following house explosion on Saturday

    Worksop Explosion: Bassetlaw District Council provides update on residents returning to homes following house explosion on Saturday

    Bassetlaw District Council’s chief executive David Armiger has provided an update on the situation at John Street in Worksop following a fatal house explosion where a local man sadly lost his life.

    Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm on April 12 following an explosion inside a house and a major incident was declared.

    Despite the best efforts of the responding emergency services, 53-year-old David Howard died at the scene.

    Police revealed on Tuesday (15) that a 43-year-old man was arrested and questioned on suspicion of murder. He since been bailed pending further investigation work into the cause of the explosion.

    Mr Armiger said: “On Saturday evening, one of our communities experienced a tragic and traumatic event, an explosion at a house in Worksop.

    “I’d like to thank the emergency services, specialist recovery teams and the wide number of agencies who were quick to respond, and for the work they have done in the days since to support the people who have been directly affected, and the wider community.

    “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of David Howard who sadly lost his life.

    “I would also like to thank residents and the local community for their patience and compassion during this time. We understand how difficult it is live through this experience, and I would like to reassure you that support is available should you need it.”

    He also offered an update around people returning to their homes following the blast.

    “The majority of people living on or around John Street were able to return to their homes on Sunday evening and Monday morning,” he said.

    “This incident now directly affects 14 households who are not currently able to return to their homes, all of whom continue to be supported with emergency accommodation either by ourselves, their insurers or their landlords.

    “We are also co-ordinating support from local charities and agencies who are providing these residents with food, clothing and other items. We will continue to work with local agencies to ensure that these people receive the support and advice they need during this difficult time.

    “There are currently three properties that have significant structural damage and will need to be demolished. There are also a number of other homes that have also been impacted by the explosion and Bassetlaw District Council’s Building Surveyors will continue to assess the safety of these buildings. 

    “Due to the ongoing investigation by Nottinghamshire Police, and the challenging process to make the impacted buildings safe, we are not able to provide a definitive timescale on how long residents may be out of their homes.

    “We have spoken to these residents to update them on the latest situation and will be providing them with an opportunity to briefly and safely return to their homes to collect some essential items and belongings in the near future.

    “The ongoing response to this incident is constantly evolving, and again, I would like to thank residents and the wider community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

  • ‘It’s never too late’: Survivors of childhood sexual abuse urged by police to come forward after former teacher jailed for historic offences at school near Retford

    ‘It’s never too late’: Survivors of childhood sexual abuse urged by police to come forward after former teacher jailed for historic offences at school near Retford

    Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are being reminded that it is never too late to come forward – after a former teacher was jailed for offences committed in the early 1980s at a school near Retford.

    Alun Thomas, a former teacher at Bramcote School in Gamston, was interviewed by Nottinghamshire Police in June 2024 after one of his victims came forward to report what had happened to her.

    A second victim then came forward to recount very similar experiences inside Thomas’ home on the school grounds, and at other locations.

    During his police interview, Thomas, now aged 66, became emotional and apologised for what he had done, but also stressed that he didn’t think of himself as a paedophile.

    He later pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 – two on one of the girls and four on another.

    Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, April 11, Thomas, of Great Houghton, Northampton, was jailed for eight years.

    Detective Constable Ryan Coupe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This case provides yet another reminder to survivors of childhood sexual abuse that it really is never too late to come forward and tell the police what happened.

    “Some of Thomas’s offences were committed more than 40 years ago but were treated every bit as seriously as if they were committed last week.

    “Both victims in this case were taken advantage of in the most appalling way by a man they admired, respected and trusted.

    “Unsurprisingly both have struggled to come to terms with that betrayal, which has adversely affected them throughout their adult lives.

    “It is thanks to them – and the great courage both displayed in coming forward – that Thomas was finally held to account and exposed for what he had done.

    “I know nothing can erase the memory of Thomas’s abuse, but I do hope this very significant jail sentence will provide both women with some form of closure.”

    “I hope also that it will encourage other survivors of non-recent sexual abuse to come forward and tell us what happened.”

  • Drivers using mobiles among 145 caught by unmarked police HGV cab during week of action on A1

    Drivers using mobiles among 145 caught by unmarked police HGV cab during week of action on A1

    Operation Tramlines caught 145 driving offenders in a week of action using unmarked HGV cabs on the A1 – including many Bassetlaw.

    Operation Tramline is a police road safety initiative where officers detect and deal with traffic offences as they happen to educate motorists and subsequently reduce the number of incidents caused by unsafe driver behaviour.

    To do this, police work closely with National Highways who loaned them an unmarked lorry for the week of action. The elevated height of the lorry allows officers to see into other lorry cabs and cars to detect offences being committed.

    Over a seven-day period officers stopped:

    • 21 drivers for using their mobile phones while driving
    • 47 drivers for not wearing seatbelts
    • 9 drivers for having an insecure load
    • 12 drivers for construction and use offences do to with vehicle conditions
    • 3 drivers for not being in proper control
    • 5 drivers for driver’s hours
    • 1 driver for not having insurance
    • 10 drivers for driving without due care

    Drivers were either given a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) or dealt with by way of summons or given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

    A number of vehicles were also cabled during the operation. This essentially means that if a car or lorry has been classed as dangerous, a chain is put around the wheels of the vehicle to stop it from moving.

    The chain can only be removed after the driver has had sufficient rest if they were stopped for driver’s hours, or until they have sorted the issue preventing them from carrying on with their journey i.e. vehicle conditions.

    Inspector Jase Baxter from the Specialist Operations Unit said: “Operation Tramline is a tactic which allows us a platform to detect offences we may not normally be in a position to do so. 

    “Sadly, even after 10 years of Operation Tramline, we are still detecting numerous offences of poor driving behaviours which the vast majority of our road using community also find completely unacceptable. We will continue to run these operations to detect and deter those who choose to drive in this manner, that can have devastating consequences for themselves and others.”

    National Highways Assistant Regional Safety Co-Ordinator Marie Biddulph said: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Operation Tramline and these results from the A1 show just how valuable our HGV cabs continue to be in helping to spot unsafe driving behaviours.

    “We know that driver distraction, such as using a mobile phone, and not wearing a seatbelt are key factors in collisions which result in people being harmed on our roads. So, it is disappointing that we still have a minority of people who are prepared to put themselves and others at risk in this way.

    “Our goal through Operation Tramline has always been to remind motorists to think carefully about their driving behaviours behind the wheel and we will continue working with our police partners through Operation Tramline and other campaigns to make that happen and make our roads safer.”

  • Caravan fire safety push following fatal blaze that killed Notts father and daughter 

    Caravan fire safety push following fatal blaze that killed Notts father and daughter 

    An East Midlands fire service is issuing caravan safety information for those heading to the coast this easter weekend following a fatal blaze that killed a Nottinghamshire father and daughter

    Firefighters in Lincolnshire tackled an accidental fatal fire at a holiday park in Ingoldmells, near Skegness which claimed the lives of Esme Baker, 10, and Lee Baker, 48, on Saturday 5 April.

    The fire service says the blaze was accidental

    Over 10 thousand pounds has now been raised collectively in honour of the father and daughter.

    With a large number of static caravan sites, particularly on the East Coast, the service are reminding people to ensure there is a working smoke alarm when staying in temporary or rented accommodation.

    There advice also highlights that if a fire breaks out in a caravan or mobile home it is always serious. Always get everyone away from the caravan at a safe distance and call 999 immediately.

    Amanda Matson is the Department Head of Prevention at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue recognise the severity of the fire and the impact that it has had on the local, and the wider communities, as well as those travelling to the East Coast. Particularly as we’re starting to enter the holiday season, it’s important that these safety messages are shared.

    “Our crews will continue to deliver these messages over the coming months and that will be along the East Coast but we will collaborate with our colleagues from cross-border, Fire and Rescue services and our other partners to cover wider safety messaging such as water safety, the deliberate and wild fire safety, along with road safety.”

    Staying safe in a caravan

    • All caravans must be fitted with a working smoke alarm. Test the smoke alarms every week and never remove the batteries.
    • If you smoke, use metal ashtrays and never smoke in bed or if you are likely to fall asleep.
    • Don’t block air vents – if any leaking gas builds up you may fall unconscious and be unable to escape. Ensure that air vents are clear – if air vents get blocked, it could be fatal.
    • Turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed.
    • Never use a cooker or heater whilst your caravan is moving.
    • When cooking don’t leave any pans unattended.
    • Find out the firefighting arrangements on the camp site.
    • Don’t dry clothes over the stove.
    • Keep children away from matches or lighters.
    • Children should never be left alone in a caravan.
    • Remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
    • Gas cylinders should be kept outside the caravan. Gas cylinders should be turned off unless they are designed to run continuously and you should only change the bottle when they are completely empty.
    • If you suspect that there is a gas leak turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve, open all doors and windows and do not smoke or turn on any electrical switches or appliances until you have been given the all clear.
    • Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills).

    You can find out more on the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue web page.

    Lincolnshire’s service also held an event in Ingoldmells on April 11 to offer support and reassurance to the local area after the fire was deemed accidental.

  • New stats reveal how many Bassetlaw parents and carers secured place for children at preferred primary school

    New stats reveal how many Bassetlaw parents and carers secured place for children at preferred primary school

    New stats have been released revealing how many parents and carers in Bassetlaw secured a place at their preferred school for their children.

    Nottinghamshire County Council yesterday (16) contacted thousands of families on national offer day, about their child’s school place for September 2025. 

    More than 8,000 applications were received from parents and carers whose children will be starting school in September 2025.

    This year, 96% of Nottinghamshire children were offered a reception place at their parents’ first preference school in September, with over 99% securing a place at one of their preferred schools.

    1130 applications were processed from residents living in the Bassetlaw district for first admission to primary school including schools outside of Nottinghamshire

    • 1081 were offered their first preference – 95.7%

    • 1118 were offered one of their preferences – 98.9%

    • 428 made only one preference – 37.9%

    • 12 alternative offers were made where no preference could be met – 1.1%

    • 11 of these only made one preference – 91.7%

    Peter McConnochie, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Director of Education and Inclusion, said: “I am delighted that, once again, the vast majority of Nottinghamshire children have received an offer of a place at a preferred primary school this year. This is positive news for parents across the county who are receiving their school place offers today.”

  • Bassetlaw pharmacies opening times over Easter holiday weekend

    Bassetlaw pharmacies opening times over Easter holiday weekend

    Health bosses have confirmed that some pharmacies in Bassetlaw will be staying open this coming Easter break. 

    As the weekend is bookended by the Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays, most pharmacies will close at the end of the day on Thursday April 17, and not reopen until Tuesday April 21.

    But NHS Nottinghamshire has confirmed six pharmacies will be opening on one of the bank holidays – or not closing at all.

    Pharmacies opening over Easter

    Retford

    Bridgegate Chemist
    54 Bridgegate
    Open Good Friday – 10:00am – 12:00pm 

    Superdrug
    11-15 Carolgate
    Closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday
    Open Easter Monday – 10:00am – 12:00pm 

    Worksop

    Boots  
    24-26 Bridge Street
    Open Good Friday – 09:00am – 17:30pm
    Closed Easter Sunday and Easter Monday  

    Tesco Instore Pharmacy          
    Gateford Road
    Open Good Friday 10:00am – 16:00pm
    Closed Easter Sunday                    
    Open Easter Monday – 10:00am – 16:00pm

    Worksop Pharmacy (Prospect)           
    Unit 4 Prospect Precinct
    Open Good Friday – 14:00pm – 16:00pm
    Closed Easter Sunday and Easter Monday 

    Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Pharmacists can give advice and treatment on a range of minor illnesses, and many can offer services like a repeat supply of oral contraception without the need to visit a GP.

    “Most pharmacists can also offer treatment and some prescription medicines for seven common conditions under the Pharmacy First scheme.

    “Of course, nobody wants to be poorly over the long bank holiday weekend, but we hope local people will be reassured that the NHS is here for them.

    “If you’re unsure about which service is best for your needs, visit 111.nhs.uk or phone 111.”

    Under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can help with these seven common conditions:

    • urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
    • earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
    • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
    • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
    • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
    • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
    • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • Football fans urged to get life-changing blood pressure checks ahead of nail-biting season finales for Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town

    Football fans urged to get life-changing blood pressure checks ahead of nail-biting season finales for Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town

    The NHS is urging football fans and their families to take advantage of potentially life-saving free blood pressure checks in local pharmacies, as the 2024/25 season nears its climax during Stress Awareness Month.

    With promotion, relegation, European qualification and a cup final all still possible for Nottinghamshire’s three professional clubs, tensions are running high on and off the field for players, coaching staff and fans.

    In 2020, researchers at Oxford University confirmed that passionate football supporters are more at risk of experiencing dangerous levels of the hormone cortisol, commonly associated with stress.

    Anyone aged 40 or over can get a free blood pressure check in a participating local pharmacy unless they have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have regular blood pressure checks with a health professional already.

    Between April and December 2024, pharmacy teams in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire carried out more than 43,000 blood pressure checks, with high-blood pressure detected in nearly 1,000 people. Management of this condition for these people may prevent an estimated eight deaths, 15 strokes and 10 myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).

    Nigel Clough, the manager of Mansfield Town joined season ticket holder, Shelley Mercer at Orchard Pharmacy in Mansfield today to have their blood pressure checked and Nigel is urging local people to do the same.

    He said: “Staying match fit is important for fans, just as it is for players, and I’d really encourage Stags fans – in fact all football and non-football fans – to get their blood pressure checked regularly.

    “The check is quick, painless, and being able to walk into your local high street pharmacy to have it done, often without even needing an appointment, means it’s also very convenient.

    “Medical emergencies at football matches are, sadly, becoming all too common. By having your blood pressure checked you can detect underlying blood pressure issues you may have and this can literally be the difference between life and death.”

    Blood pressure testing is available at most community pharmacies in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire without an appointment. The test measures the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it’s pumped around your body.

    The test is done by wrapping a cuff around your upper arm and filling with air until it feels tight. It is usually quick, painless and you get your result straight away.

    Depending on the result, the Pharmacy might:

    • give you advice to support healthy living
    • arrange to fit a blood pressure monitor that you wear for the day to see if the blood pressure is high throughout the day
    • advise you to see a healthcare professional

    Your test results are shared with your GP practice so that they can be recorded on your health record.

    Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save your life.

    “Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually a problem, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people, but high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it’s not treated.”

    See the NHS website to find a pharmacy near you that offers free blood pressure checks: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-blood-pressure-checks

    For more information about the wide range of services available from your local community pharmacy, see the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire website: https://notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/community-pharmacy/